THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Do you agree with the argument that new Romanian films have very depressing themes? Even your films have accidents, hospital stays and other bleak subjects at their centre?There might be some truth in it and it must be reflective of the modern life in Romania. There is an overdose of drama in films and television. My films, ‘Hooked’ and ‘Best Intentions’, might be dramatic on the surface.But, if you look at them closely, they stick to the real world. I was paranoiac when my mother was hospitalised after suffering a stroke. It is the personal experience that I have portrayed. But, I also believe that I have been able to capture the humour of the whole episode, the comedy of life. That is also from personal experience, because I would reflect on the events later and realise just how difficult I was being. So, I have tried not to make it dark.What difference do you see in the making of a short film and a feature? And what makes you prefers shorts?I have reached a point where I don’t have to differentiate between the two mediums. When I started making films, I preferred shorts because I was forced to make compromises about the cost. I was doing low budget films with the help of my parents. Even when I had the opportunity to do big budget films of more than 70,000 dollars, I thought I had a responsibility towards the producers and imposed a self-censorship of sorts. But, now I have my production company and I have done almost all that I wanted in my film. The producer of my second feature ‘Best Intentions’, was very understanding and let me have a free will.Are you familiar with Indian movies?Not so much. Bollywood films and songs are quite popular in Romania, but I have not watched any films. In Romania, we don’t have songs in movies.What would you look for in Malayalam films as a jury member?Well, every film has its cultural background. It is true that I would be judging from my point of view. But, the camera work, the editing and such technical matters will be on a common platform. And then, films should lend themselves to reading without subtitles. I would look for the elements of originality that the director has put in the work.
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